A family trip to a water park can be a fun summer activity, but careful packing is required to ensure a good, safe time is had by all. Your packing list will vary depending upon the age of your children, the type of water park, and the amount of time you have to spend. Indoor water parks may present different needs than outdoor water parks. Make sure to research the rules of the water park you will be visiting.

Clothing

A comfortable, well-fitting bathing suit is essential for a good water park experience. Remember that unlike casual swimming, the activities of a water park including wave pools, slides, rafts, lazy rivers and splash pools are more physically active, so the suit may ride up or down if the fit is not good. A tight tie at the waist and around the neck is important to prevent embarrassing moments and uncomfortable exposure. You may want to bring a couple of suits if you plan on dividing your time at the water park, in case your suit doesn't dry. Bring shower shoes or flip-flops to wear around the pool and when walking between attractions. Pack a change of clothes, including undergarments to travel home in. Cover-ups or long T-shirts can help reduce sun exposure.

Outdoor Sun Protection

Sunglasses, waterproof sunscreen and hats are essentials at an outdoor water park. Make sure your sunscreen has a high SPF rating for your skin type; a higher-than-usual rating is helpful for extended periods in the water. Apply and regularly reapply it, especially after being in the water. Sunglasses should have a strap if you need to wear them at all times, to prevent them from coming loose in the water.

Flotation Devices

At some parks, life jackets or vests are mandatory for children under a certain age or specific height. Kids may be allowed to take a swimming test to earn an exemption from this rule. Many parks only allow Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and prohibit water wings, pool noodles and inflatable toys. Use of these vary by park and the discretion of the lifeguards on duty.

Food and Drink

If you're visiting a water park area in a neighborhood park, bring snacks and a lot of water to drink. Make sure you don't have glass bottles. Some parks allow you to bring in your own food, while others may require you to purchase your food from the facility. If you're able to leave and re-enter the park, put a cooler in your car and have a picnic lunch.

Other Necessities

Don't forget to bring a towel or two. If you don't have room to pack one, most resorts and water parks rent towels for a minimal fee. Bring a waterproof bag to store your phone, keys, identification and cellphone in. Rent a locker to store your bigger belongings, if possible, or keep them in your car. Small children in diapers will need a swim diaper, which usually can be purchased at the park if you don't have your own.

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About the Author

Based in Toronto, Tanya Gulliver has been writing professionally for more than 20 years. She is pursuing a doctorate in environmental studies focusing on catastrophic disasters. She was first published as a pre-teen, co-writing a weekly events column for her local paper where her goal was to frequently mention her friends and family in the paper.